25 Lime Recipes That Are Full of Flavor

Lime is often seen as an alternative to lemon but it doesn’t have to stay just an alternative. Lime can add plenty of flavor to dishes, from desserts and main meals to cocktails.

The tangy, yet zesty taste of lime creates a unique taste which is perfect for summer desserts and drinks.

We put together our favorite lime recipes that are guaranteed to add an extra special flavor to your dinner, lunch or garden party.

1. Key Lime Pie

If you are looking to feed a crowd, you can never go wrong with a pie to share. This lime pie recipe brings out the full flavor of lime in a zesty dessert.

Serve it on a warm summer evening after dinner or even for brunch with your friends.

And if there is anything left of this delicious lime cake (which is quite unlikely), then you can easily pop it into the freezer.

If you want to make the cake in advance, then freeze the cake before adding the cream. You can then just add the topping shortly before you serve it.

2. Homemade Lime Cordial

Lemonade is just a classic, and lime cordial is a true must-try for summer. This lime cordial recipe is ideal for mixing with plenty of other drinks.

Thanks to its sweet yet sour taste, you can use it with all of your favorite summer drinks, and even cocktails, shots or non-alcoholic drinks.

But one of the best things about this cordial is that you can make if quickly with any flavored syrup that you have at home.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl

Rice is just one of these handy ingredients that goes with almost anything because it picks up the flavor of what ever you add.

This simple rice bowl is just a mix of some lime juice, microwaved rice and cilantro. If you just like the rice on its own as a side, then you are done.

But you can also add some shrimp to the bowl with an extra shot of lime zest, soy sauce, lime juice and honey.

The shrimp add another dimension to the dish, so if you love your seafood, then this is a wonderfully light lime dish.

4. Lime Agave Salad Dressing

Salad doesn’t have to be just a side dish. With the right dressing, you can turn a salad into a flavorful bowl of surprises.

This agave salad dressing with a shot of lime adds quite a bit of zest to your salad greens. It is vegan and dairy-free which means everyone can enjoy it.

We tried this lime salad dressing with a few different salads and found that it is particularly delicious with strawberry and spinach salad.

But it also works wonderfully with bean salads and even steamed vegetables. The dressing is versatile enough that you cold even give it a go with a fruit salad.

5. Cheesy Mexican Corn Dip With Lime

Mexican cuisine is well known for its quick and easy dishes, as well as some fantastic street food.

A dip is one of the best ways to add flavor to your dishes, especially when it has a good shot of zesty lime in it.

Plus, this Mexican lime dip also allows you to use almost anything in your dip. Dunk in tortilla chips, plugs-in-blankets or your favorite chicken wings.

And if you have any of the dip left over, then you can easily mix it in with rice, a salsa or your next burrito.

6. Non-Alcoholic Mojito

While lime is still relatively unknown as a secret ingredient for mains, it is one of the key ingredients in many cocktails, including the well-known mojito.

This classic summer cocktail can be alcoholic but this particular recipe doesn’t contain any alcohol, so you can even let the kids take a sip.

This mojito mocktail shows that you do not need the typical shot of rum, while keeping the refreshing lime and mint flavor that mojitos are so loved for.

Although cocktails always sound so difficult to make, this one is surprisingly easy to whisk together.

7. Pineapple Salsa

This is not just another salsa as you know. The sweet pineapple flavor together with the zesty lime creates a unique flavor that reminds you of summer, warm sand and beaches.

If you want a dish that also looks the part, then this lime salsa recipe is it. Just slice a third off a pineapple, scoop the pineapple flesh out and fill it with a delicious lime salsa mix.

You can serve it with a lime dip and some tortilla chips.

8. Lime Rickey

Another classic nonalcoholic drink, the lime rickey has only three basic ingredients, and you add a lime wedge as garnish.

It’s a great alternative to alcoholic cocktails and thanks to its refreshing, bitter lime taste, it also quenches the thirst on hot evenings.

You can also turn this recipe into a cocktail by just adding a shot of tequila or gin which balance very well with the lime flavor.

9. Mojito Cake

Light and fluffy cakes are just perfect for the summer, and even better when they are infused with sugary syrup and a mojito lime flavor.

This mojito lime cake recipe is very quick to whisk together. Just throw the ingredients for the sponge base together and make the lime buttercream.

Add the buttercream onto the spongy base and top it off with a few lime shavings.

10. Zucchini Sushi With Lime

This sushi recipe isn’t the average sushi, mainly because it doesn’t contain any rice. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of flavor and healthy vegetable in these sushi rolls.

What makes these rolls so unique is their filling which contains cream cheese, lime juice, crab, avocado, carrot, cucumber and Sriracha.

These ingredients are all mixed together and then added between two slices of zucchini.

These sushi rolls are perfect as a finger food for a summer party. Just sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before you serve them.

11. Frozen Lime Daiquiri

Daiquiri is just a simply irresistible and boozy summer treat. This frozen daiquiri recipe is made extra special thanks to the large shot of lime juice.

There is also a good amount of rum in it, so you can enjoy it on a hot summer evening with friends and family.

The sharp and tartness of the lime makes this fruity daiquiri extra delicious. You can also add other ingredients to create your own tasty slushie.

12. Harissa Lime Prawn Cocktail

Prawn cocktail is a traditional appetizer which works for every party all year round. 

If you want to bring a little summer feeling to your table, then this lime-infused prawn cocktail will do just that.

The harissa paste with the fresh lime mixed together makes this dish just a little bit more exciting.

Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to prep, so you can whisk it together as an ideal dinner party starter.

13. Nimbu Ka Achaar (Lime Pickle)

Fermented foods are all the rage at the moment and they have become somewhat of a restaurant secret.

You can add pickles to almost anything. Give your sandwiches a special twist or just create this perfect finish for your burgers.

This recipe for lime pickles comes originally from East India. The spicy and sour taste of the pickles is great when served with rice or added to other dishes.

Just try it with some of your favorite foods and get creative.

14. Coconut Lime Shrimp

Both coconut and lime are ingredients that just remind you of tropical beaches and white sand. Bring them together with some seafood, and you are on a winner.

Cook the shrimp in a large skillet until they are pink, and squeeze in some fresh lime juice. Add coconut milk, Sriracha and cilantro and stir.

That’s almost all you need to do, so it takes just a few minutes to create this refreshing summer dish.

15. Non-Alcoholic Sherbet Punch

Punch may be traditionally served hot but this version is a cool, refreshing option with a lime shot.

There is a lot of lime in this recipe, including lime sherbet. Its green color hints at the fruit inside and it’s just a great nonalcoholic drink to enjoy.

This punch is also sometimes called a wedding punch but you can make it for almost any occasion, including baby showers, Halloween or graduations.

Wherever you want to serve drinks to a big crowd, a punch is just a great option.

16. Lime Shrimp Dragon Noodles

You don’t have to make these special lime noodles with shrimp. In fact, you can make noodles with a slosh of fresh lime on top with almost anything.

The recipe itself has a couple of variations that you can use. You can swap out the type of noddles, the seafood and the sauce.

Some people may prefer to add egg or a meat substitute to add to these delicious noodles with lime. Whatever you prefer, there are plenty of different options.

17. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote is a popular type of street food in Mexio. This corn is packed with a vast range of flavor.

From sweet and salty to creamy and crunchy, elote are best enjoyed straight off the grill during a barbecue.

And BBQ time is also the perfect time when you can buy the sweetest corn. This makes elote the perfect side dish or snack for a garden party.

18. Lime And Pistachio Salmon With Salsa Greens

Just the name of this conjures up images of a fresh green base topped with delicious salmon.

The toasted pistachios combined with zingy lime make a perfect pair for this salmon dish. Although it is a main dish, it’s surprisingly light and flavorful.

19. Avocado, Kiwi And Lime Ice Lollies

These ice lollies are so quick to make. All you have to do is whisk kiwi, avocado, lime and coconut milk together, and then freeze everything.

Lime fruit is just the perfect summer treat, and turning it into ice cream or healthy fruit lollies is just the most refreshing way to enjoy lime.

20. Thai Chicken Stir-Fry With Coconut, Chili And Lime

A twist on your traditional stir-fry, this recipe combines the spice of chili with the zest of lime and the creaminess of coconut milk.

Throw in some chicken and green beans, bell peppers, mushrooms and fresh herbs, and you end up with a delicious and healthy dish.

You can serve this lime stir-fry recipe with noodles or rice.

21. Nectarine, Coconut And Lime Tart

Lime pairs well with almost any kind of fruit as well as coconut, so when you combine all of them together in this tart, you get a lot of sweet and zingy flavors.

You can make as much as you like and the tray-bake feeds an entire crowd which makes this recipe perfect for a summer party.

22. Thai Rice Noodle Salad With Chili-Lime Vinaigrette

The vermicelli noddles in this recipe keep the dish light and suitable as a summer meal. You just add a lot of fresh vegetables of your choice.

But what makes this noodle salad really stand out is the chili and lime vinaigrette that gives it some spicy and zest.

You can swap the crabs with shrimp or even your favorite tofu.

23. Sweet Potato, Ginger And Lime Soup

Lime isn’t just a summer flavor. You can also combine it beautifully with warming spices and root vegetables, such as ginger and sweet potato.

This recipe for sweet potato and ginger soup is not too spicy and the creaminess pairs very well with crusty bread.

24. Lime Coconut Bars

Coconut and lime come together in this classic lemon tray. You can cut as small or large pieces as you like and there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

This recipe is perfect for bake sales or as a hand-held dessert for garden parties.

25. French Lime Sorbet

If you don’t fancy traditional ice cream, then sorbet is a great alternative. This lime sorbet recipe has a much lighter taste than ice cream but the flavor is just as delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Do With Lots Of Limes?

Limes are just a great summer fruit that you can use for desserts, cocktails, cakes, hot dishes and mocktails.

From homemade limeade and bitter sweet mojito cake to lime prawn cocktail, there are some great lime recipes that are full of flavor.

What Flavors Go Well With Lime In Baking?

Some of the best ingredients that go wonderfully with lime in cakes and desserts are berries, coconut and chocolate.

They complement the tartness of the lime and add a little bit of a sweet flavor. 

You can use lime juice in buttercream or just decorate a sponge cake with some lime garnish. This will give your cakes an extra zesty kick.

Which Ingredient Is Used To Add Flavor Pairs Perfectly With Lime?

You can pair almost any type of fruit with lime, including strawberry, apple, cherry, papaya and plum.

They all add flavor to your lime dishes, and they can also create the perfect base for your alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Why Do People Put Lemon And Lime In Water?

Lime and lemon water make a very refreshing drink that gives you an extra dose of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Many people add just a splash of lime or lemon juice to their water to make it taste better, and it can replace some of the sugary juices and sports drinks.

You can also make a special summer treat turning your lime water into lemonade with plenty of lime and lemon juice.

Final Thoughts

Lime is not usually known for its appearance in traditional main dishes but there are some flavorful lime recipes that truly pack a punch.

From tangy lime salsa, lime pickles and refreshing lime sherbets to lime mojito and lime sushi, this zesty fruit creates a unique flavor in your desserts, drinks and other dishes.